Media Writertv: Last News

Gene Maddaus Senior Media WriterTV writers may soon have to take their own notes as their assistants will be on the picket lines if IATSE calls a strike on Monday morning.Writers assistants and script coordinators provide the essential support functions that keep writers’ rooms operating. They take notes, compile drafts and make sure revisions are distributed to production crews.Those workers can earn as little as $16 an hour, making them among the lowest paid on a production, and raising their wages has been one of the key demands from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.The union previously made clear that anyone doing struck work will be considered a scab, and will jeopardize their future membership in the union.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media WriterTV actors and recording artists are pushing for a major change in California labor law, which is likely to draw stiff opposition from studios and record labels.A bill introduced in the Legislature today would prevent labels from holding artists to contracts that last longer than seven years. Artists have sought in the past to extend the state’s so-called “seven-year rule” to record labels, but the efforts have failed amid industry opposition.Now they have the support of TV actors, who are also looking for their own change in state law.